Search

I made these Paper Dahlias for the baby shower. I got the template and idea on Martha Stewarts website.

I changed it up a little bit – because as much as I wish I was Martha, I am poor. I also don’t know how well Dahlia’s will do in the New Mexico heat. So instead of putting actual Dahlia buds I used Blow Pops. Martha says fancy plant, I say edible sugar!

Here is where you can go to get directions and the template to cut out the paper flowers.

I have always loved drinking out of mason jars. And recently I have been obsessed with the Dollar Tree. Yes the Dollar Tree – not to be confused with those other fake dollar stores where things cost more than a dollar! That’s stupid!!

So I was spending another lunch browsing the shelf’s at the local Dollar Tree when I saw all these Mason jars. And awwwwwwww (sing that) it was like a light came on and my idea juices were flowing!

I bought as many jars as I could fit in my cart!

The next day I was at Pier One getting paper lanterns for our patio and I was reminded of a glass I saw there once. I also saw this trick on that show Trading Spaces . . . anyone remember that show? Once the 86ed Pagie Davis the show went downhill! She was a peach!

Anyway, I saw these jars a long time ago that had chalk board squares on them so people could write their names. And because of Trading Spaces I know they sell spray paint chalk board at most home improvement stores (and Wal-Mart) –

So I made everyone (and had some left over) jars for the baby shower.

I was also thinking of making these for Christmas and filling them with coco or something delicious and writing on them!

Chalk Board Mason Jars

Wash/disinfect the jars in the dishwasher.

Cut out a square stencil so all the squares are the same size.

Tape around (not on) the stencil with blue painters tape.

Tape the crap out of the jar. Tape the WHOLE jar because you are spray painting and it will get other places.

Lay the jars outside on a plastic bag, tarp or cardboard cutout.

Spray the paint – back and forth – it’s an art!

Apply one coat and let it dry completely before you apply the next coat.

I applied four coats and it worked great

After the last coat, let the jar dry 24 hours before you use the chalk.

Rub the chalk back and length wise all over the chalk board surface and rub it off

Then the chalk board is ready to use!

Hope your do-it-yourself projects turn out well!

Enjoy!

Wash/disinfect the jars in the dishwasher.

Cut out a square stencil so all the squares are the same size

Tape around (not on) the stencil with blue painters tape

Tape the crap out of the jar. Tape the WHOLE jar because you are spray painting and it will get other places.

Lay the jars outside on a plastic bag, tarp or cardboard cutout

Spray the paint – back and forth – it’s an art!

Apply one coat and let it dry completely before you apply the next coat. I applied four coats and it worked great

After the last coat, let the jar dry 24 hours before you use the chalk.

Rub the chalk back and length wise all over the chalk board surface and rub it off

I have a seasonal hobby – a summer hobby – a hobby many homeowners (and some renters) share – yard projects.

The husband and I bought our house a few years ago – the back yard was a great size but it was a huge dirt space. So every summer we add concrete and make it a little less dusty – this summer had been no different.

This weekend we laid more concrete. I know way more about concrete and laying it and the tools that you need than someone who would rather pay to have their yard landscaped. However, my wonderful husband believes in doing things yourself (which is really quite attractive) – And makes him seem super smart because he knows how to lay concrete and do other weird DIY stuff that I have no idea where he learned. Well actually I lie – I know where he acquired this knowledge from – his dad, who lucky for us is sweet enough to help us with all our yard work. And so is Shane’s brother Gavin and my brother Nick.

I would also like to point out that I totally helped too! There is a job for everyone when it comes to concrete! You always need a gofer and someone to do the annoying little things the “real” words don’t want to! Also, I must say, I am strong! I handled those 80LB bags of concrete like a champ!

Doing yard work is especially rewarding to me because Shane rewards me with food, as long as I don’t complain! The rule is I help, he feeds me. And I don’t feel bad eating horrible food because I just lifted nine 80 pound concrete bags and five 60 pound mortar bags. And did all the other fun concrete stuff like drive a wheel barrel full of wet concrete and shovel it into tight places.

I never knew how hard it was to “build” and make things. Hats off to ALL construction workers who do this for a living. And I am especially in awe of construction workers who do this in the heat! It was 90 degrees this weekend – I can’t imagine doing manual labor in Las Cruces where we used to live or any other place that is horribly hot! Construction works of Phoenix you are my hero’s!

Another thing about doing all this yard work – after a long day of working you smell horribly, have concrete stuck to you in the weirdest places and are so tired you can hardly walk. But after a nice shower – You get the BEST SLEEP EVER!!!!!

No need for a sleeping pill or any other sleep aid! Can’t sleep you should think of becoming a construction worker.

It is so rewarding to sleep after you put your body through the ringer. And having a nice place to relax outside (after you are done and clean up) is so fantastic! It’s also crazy to see what started as a patch of dirt is now a cool patio Even if your husband won’t let you put your handprints and name and year in the concrete.

I have included some yard work/DIY work for women below:

1. Wear A LOT of sunscreen! Don’t get burned! Make sure you use sunscreen and apply every two hours. Especially if you are working with concrete or anything else that requires the use of water.

I discovered this great sunscreen that is not oily and goes on super-fast! After two days of doing work outside I didn’t burn once!

Also throw away your sunscreen after a year – it goes bad and is not as potent after a year.

2. Drink A LOT of water! I mean this A LOT!!! You are out all day and sweating, you need to drink water so you don’t get dizzy and fall face first into the wet concrete! That would be horrible! So make sure you and your helpers stay hydrated! With water, beer should not be consumed until after you are done and all sharp objects are put away. . . .

3. Get some pretty/fun girly stuff. It will make you more excited to work! Target, Home Depot and Lowes all have “accessories” for women. Cute gloves or a hat will make you feel better about all the manual labor you will be doing.

I found these accessories. Also, get a knee cushion especially if you are gardening or doing concrete because you will be on your knees all day (no need for gross jokes!) – Your knees will thank you later.

So for all of you doing DIY yard or house projects have fun and you are in my prayers. For all of you who are paying other people to do it for you – well screw you! And please talk to my husband . . . .